In the first classic play to be staged by Red Ladder in its 50 –year history, Rod Dixon’s production for the company’s landmark anniversary re-examines the relevance of Brecht’s 20th century masterpiece for today.
Echoing the contemporary refugees’ universal displacement, Mother Courage and Her Children asks urgent questions surrounding the stigma and fear of immigration and the effects of war. It integrates a professional cast and community chorus, with Red Ladder supported by Leeds Playhouse as a Theatre of Sanctuary for refugee and asylum seekers in Leeds, and working with local organisations MAPS – the Leeds City Council migrant support service – Open Source Arts, and Leeds Asylum Seeker Network.
Best known for her award-winning comedy role as Mrs Doyle in the TV series Father Ted, celebrated Irish actor and author Pauline McLynn takes the lead role as Brecht’s buffoonish but ruthless Mother Courage.
Pauline said: “Mother Courage is one of the great, iconic roles and to have this opportunity to play her is a particular thrill for me. I am excited to introduce whole new audiences to Brecht, a challenging and brilliant playwright who provokes and enriches us with his work. I am an actor who has always had a leaning for the Left and therefore Red Ladder and myself are a very natural match. I can’t wait to get started on this sprawling delight.”
She is joined by Bea Webster, making her professional debut as one of the first actors to graduate from the only UK performance degree for d/Deaf performers, at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Mother Courage and Her Children takes place at Albion Electric Warehouse, South Accommodation Road, Leeds, from 28th September to 20th October 2018. Book online at redladder.co.uk or call Leeds Playhouse’s Box Office on 0113 213 7700.
